Funding difficulties delay work on Wicklow sports park
During the public consultation process, Ardmore Rovers supporters made over 1,300 submissions, with 11 filed by Ballywaltrim United.
There wasn't unanimous support of providing adult exercise equipment, however many acknowledged the need for an upgrade to facilities and an all-weather surface, running track, sand pitches, cycling connections and tracks, and different walks to link up with other areas.
There was a call for the new facility to be 'multi-sport' and include everything from soccer and GAA to cycling.
The project which will be delivered over five separate phases hit a setback last November, when it failed to secure funding under the Large-Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF). None of the projects for the Garden County were approved.
Wicklow County Council was allocated funding in September under the Sports Capital Grant.
However, it received just of €153,648 of an estimated €250k to €300k needed to pay for that early stage of the project.
The LSSIF would have helped to cover a large part of phase two, which was costed at approximately €1.2m, required to cover just one section of the project, the hugely anticipated running track.
Meanwhile, the estimated expenditure for phase three, which includes cycle and BMX tracks, is in the region of €200k. Further pitch upgrades are also included in phase three, at an estimated cost of €120k.
Plans for phases four and five have not been fully progressed but are understood to include changing facilities and common area exercise facilities.
Speaking during the July meeting of Bray Municipal District, Cllr Dermot Daisy O' Brien said it was important that momentum is not lost in working to get the project off the ground.
In agreement Cllr Erika Doyle insisted that residents must not be left feeling like they are being left behind.
'We need to help push this forward.' she added.
In response, executive engineer Stephen Fox said it would be premature to provide a timeline on the works.
'The latest update I have is that we're looking at getting a sample lighting design ready for consultants to review.'
Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Irish Independent
04-07-2025
- Irish Independent
Funding difficulties delay work on Wicklow sports park
In May 2024 plans for the new facility were unanimously welcomed by the elected members of Bray Municipal District, following a presentation by county council officials on how the project would proceed. During the public consultation process, Ardmore Rovers supporters made over 1,300 submissions, with 11 filed by Ballywaltrim United. There wasn't unanimous support of providing adult exercise equipment, however many acknowledged the need for an upgrade to facilities and an all-weather surface, running track, sand pitches, cycling connections and tracks, and different walks to link up with other areas. There was a call for the new facility to be 'multi-sport' and include everything from soccer and GAA to cycling. The project which will be delivered over five separate phases hit a setback last November, when it failed to secure funding under the Large-Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF). None of the projects for the Garden County were approved. Wicklow County Council was allocated funding in September under the Sports Capital Grant. However, it received just of €153,648 of an estimated €250k to €300k needed to pay for that early stage of the project. The LSSIF would have helped to cover a large part of phase two, which was costed at approximately €1.2m, required to cover just one section of the project, the hugely anticipated running track. Meanwhile, the estimated expenditure for phase three, which includes cycle and BMX tracks, is in the region of €200k. Further pitch upgrades are also included in phase three, at an estimated cost of €120k. Plans for phases four and five have not been fully progressed but are understood to include changing facilities and common area exercise facilities. Speaking during the July meeting of Bray Municipal District, Cllr Dermot Daisy O' Brien said it was important that momentum is not lost in working to get the project off the ground. In agreement Cllr Erika Doyle insisted that residents must not be left feeling like they are being left behind. 'We need to help push this forward.' she added. In response, executive engineer Stephen Fox said it would be premature to provide a timeline on the works. 'The latest update I have is that we're looking at getting a sample lighting design ready for consultants to review.' Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme
Irish Independent
23-06-2025
- Irish Independent
Shankill Tennis Club opens new padel courts and junior facilities
The new facilities come about as a result of a €245,000 Sports Capital Grant in 2022, along with support from the local authority. Frank Curran, chief executive of DLR, said the developments were testament to what can be achieved through community partnerships. "Shankill Tennis Club has long been a leader in promoting sport and inclusion, and these new facilities will further enhance opportunities for people of all ages and abilities,' he said. Mr Curran said the local authority would continue to work with the club, along with other groups, to develop facilities that would improve the health and wellbeing of residents in the area. Councillor Jim Gildea, Cathaoirleach of DLR, said the new courts would bring 'lasting benefits' to the local area. "This development not only strengthens the club's role as a hub for community sport but also supports the broader goal of making quality recreational facilities available to everyone. "We would like to acknowledge the positive cooperation and contributions of the club, local groups, and residents—without whom this project would not have been possible,' he said. Chairperson of Shankill Tennis Club, Carol Beamish, said it was one of the largest multisport facilities in the country. "We're a true community club, open to all, and we're incredibly grateful for the continued financial support from Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council and the Sports Council. This latest development simply wouldn't have been possible without their backing,' she said. "From tennis to padel and pickleball, our inclusive programmes support a wide range of needs - including wheelchair and visually impaired tennis - ensuring everyone has the opportunity to enjoy the game.' ADVERTISEMENT The 850-member club opened more than 30 years ago and offers programmes for men, women and children, as well as initiatives aimed at disability tennis and visually-impaired tennis. Padel is a racket sport similar to tennis that originated in Mexico, with the same scoring system as tennis but different rules and technique. The Sports Capital and Equipment Programme, later renamed to the Community Sport Facilities Fund, is the primary vehicle for government support for sports clubs. Government allocated €230m in total through the scheme to sports clubs and facilities last year. Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme
Irish Independent
23-06-2025
- Irish Independent
New Galway aquatic facility is welcomed by local swimming clubs
Forbairt Snámh Thiar Cuideachta Faoi Theorainn Ráthaíochta applied to build an aquatic facility fit with a 35 x 25m pool, steam room, gymnasium, and coffee dock at Knocknacarra. The site will be accessed by Altán Road and Millers Lane which also lies close to St. John the Apostle primary school and a highly trafficked roundabout. The facility is expected to be .87ha with 75 parking spaces and 89 bike spaces. Several swimming and water polo organisations expressed support for the proposal, noting that existing pools in the area are already operating at full capacity due to high demand from local clubs. The Kingfisher pool at the University of Galway and Leisureland are currently the primary facilities in use. However, with more than five aquatic clubs competing for access, the availability of pool time remains limited. In their submission to the proposal, Shark Swimming Club chairperson said: 'Swim Ireland recommends competitive swimmers train in the pool 18 hours per week, made up off nine sessions of two hours. Our top squads can only secure eleven and a half hours in Galway with many sessions only ninety minutes.' Opening a pool conveniently located within 0.5 kilometers of two major parks – each featuring rugby, hockey, and other sports pitches – paves the way for an 'ideal synergy,' says Dr. Clarie Hillery, Chair of TRIBES Water Polo, an all-female club founded in 2010. TRIBES committee member Ailbhe Casserly says: 'I think the benefit of the new pool spans well beyond these clubs, with the potential for many schools to take advantage, swimming lessons, lifeguarding training, diving training, and public use.' 'This new water sports facility will facilitate the club's continued development and provide a vital space for girls and women to thrive in sport.' Water polo is an internationally recognized sport, and access to a regulation-standard pool would enable Galway to host National Cup competitions, potentially boosting visitor numbers to the city. While this new facility will solve a slew of problems for aquatic organisations, it poses an environmental concern and major traffic threat, especially to the residents of Gort Siar Estate. Kingston Enviornemental Group drew concern for the proposal being for only a portion of the 7.5ha plot of land the facility will sit on. Their submission stated that this will lead to a 'peacemeal approach' of the lot and potentially disrupt the congruency of the ecosystem. They said that the facility will 'require a broader and more comprehensive approach in order to preserve and enhance the residential and ecological integrity' of the site. Among the concerns raised in submissions is that an 'already poor traffic situation will be further exacerbated'. The facility will sit near both a school and a residential area with limited street access. The plan was granted with 19 conditions. Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.
